ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The University of Michigan (U-M) released updated guidance at the end of January outlining how students, faculty, and staff should respond if federal immigration officers appear on campus. The message is calm, procedural, and clear: know the rules, and know who to call.
Public spaces aren’t off-limits.
Because U-M is a public university, federal immigration agents – including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – may enter public areas of campus without a warrant. That includes sidewalks, lobbies, and other open spaces.
However, U-M says that private areas such as residence halls, locked offices, and restricted research facilities generally require a judicial warrant or subpoena for entry. The distinction hinges on access: if the public can walk in freely, so can federal agents.
Call campus authorities first.
The university instructs employees and students not to accept or respond to warrants, subpoenas, or other legal documents on their own. Instead, they are directed to immediately contact their campus Division of Public Safety and Security.
Observe, don’t obstruct.
Those on campus are advised they may document interactions, provided they do not obstruct or interfere with law enforcement activity. In short, the university’s position is procedural rather than political: understand the difference between public and private spaces, loop in campus authorities, and avoid escalation.
